JEEPS AND PICK UPS-BEST FOR OFF ROADING AND TOWING
The 4X4s are the second most popular type of commercial is the 4X4.They have several advantages. Their off road ability is second to none and their towing capacity is top class. The higher driving position gives better forward visibility and their turbo engines give good acceleration. Many are bought for safety reasons. Yes there is much more steel around you. On the other hand they are heavier, taller and narrower than a saloon. They cannot be thrown around like a car or carvan as have slower reflexes when braking and cornering.
The short wheelbase models can marginal enough for cargo space. The long whelbase models have plenty space, ride better and have rear side doors for better access. Depreciation is good, but the market for second hand jeeps is not as strong as it was, as the farmer market is saturated.
Suitable for cattle and equine practice.


Prices: All Commercial.

Daewoo Koranda 2.9 TDi E25,595
Daewoo Musso 2.9TDi E27,095
Hyundai Santa Fe 2.0 TD E26,800
Hyundai Terracan 2.9TD E30,800
Isuzu Trooper 3 door E36,597
Isuzu Trooper 5 door from E33,288
Jeep Cherokee 2.5 CRD E31,600
Land Rover Freelander 2.0D E29,860
Land Rover Discovery 2.5 E33,825
Mitsubishi Pajero SWB 2.5 E33,950
Mitsubishi Pajero LWB 3.2 E39,723
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2.5 E32,040
Nissan Terrano 2.7 Td LWB E29,900
Nissan Patrol 3.0 Dti LWB E44,995
Opel Frontera 2.2 Dti E33,150
Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.0 TDi E27,930
Toyota Landcruiser 3.0 SWB E35,160
Toyota Landcruiser 3.0 LWB E36,580

Typical Costs:

VRT E50 or 13.3% (depending on size), VAT 21%, MPG 15-30, Depreciation E3,500+

Summary:

Pros: Off roading, towing, secondary safety and image.

Cons: Running costs higher than other commercials, not as nimble on road as cars or car-vans, still only a 2 seater.

Verdict: They have a very significant slice of the veterinary market because of the pros (above) and despite the cons (above).


Pick Ups.
The ordinary pick up hugely popular with American vets.But the American roads are much smoother than Ireland,where the pick ups have bouncy ride unless you have a cargo of a ton on board.The vet will need a covered area for the drugs and instruments.Costing the same as the average carvan they are spectacular value as they have 4x4 transmission.If the suspension could be altered (for Irish roads),sales to vets would improve overnight.
The crew or double cab These vehicles, have been subjected to three different types of taxation in three years.
Up to 2000,they were taxed as passenger cars because of the rear seat and were very expensive. In 2001 they were rated as commercials and with the flat rate of VRT and hey presto they were great value. Ideal for farmers, builders and some vets bought them too taking advantage of the four wheel drive, space for four passengers and cargo. They sold in numbers. But then someone from Revenue realised that some Dublin buyers were using them as a lifestyle statement (yuppies) and not for business purposes. The result,the 2002 budget saw a VRT increase to 13.3% and price was back up by E4,000,
on July 1st.Bonanza over.
However,they still offer good value,and some of them look well if a good tonneau is fitted at the back.

Prices:
Ford Ranger 2.5 Regular Cab 4X4 E24,500
Ford Ranger 2.5Double Cab 4X4 E27,500
Isuzu TFS 2.5 4 door E30,674
Land Rover Defender TD5 E24,560
Land rover Defender TD5 Double Cab E34,650
Mazda B2500 2.5D 4X2 E15,780
Mazda B2500 2.5D 4X4 E19,125
Mazda B2500 2.5 TD 4X4 Double Cab E23,690
Nissan Pathfinder 2.5 DDTi Single Cab E23,724
Nissan Pathfinder 2.5 DDTi Double Cab E26,249
Toyota HiLux 4X4 Regular Cab E27,010
Toyota HiLux 4X4 Double Cab E29,450

Typical Costs:

VRT Single Cab E50,Double Cab 13.3%, VAT 21%, other running costs like 4X4.

Summary:

Pros: Value, Off roading (for the 4X4), towing,5 seater capacity (in the double cab) secondary safety, some look cool with a nice canopy,
Cons: Higher tax on double cab, leaf spring suspension gives bumpy ride on non national roads, greater length means harder parking, similar fuel consumption as jeeps.

Verdict: If you need to carry 2,3, or 4 passengers, this is the only commercial option. Every vet would own one if we had a decent road network.